SAFTU condemns Mashatile’s stance that SAA privatisation might be best way forward
Mashatile told the Sunday Times he doesn't think government has the financial muscle to run SAA, especially following attempts to rescue the airline.
FILE: Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has condemned Deputy President Paul Mashatile's comments that the privatisation of South African Airways (SAA) may be the best way forward for the airline.
Mashatile told the Sunday Times he doesn't think government has the financial muscle to run it, especially following attempts to rescue the airline.
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Government had planned to sell a 51% stake in the national carrier to the Takatso Consortium, a deal that former Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan called off.
However, Mashatile said selling a majority of SAA to private players with the capital and expertise to turn it around may be the best way forward.
But SAFTU's Trevor Shaku said state companies should remain in the hands of the public.
“It is through public ownership that our historic demand for affordable, reliable, and safe transport systems can be achieved for the poor working-class majority. This includes affordable planes, trains, and buses.”